EPA, New Jersey partner to accelerate lead service line replacement in 10 underserved communities
(UI) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox announced a partnership with the State of New Jersey to assist 10 communities in accelerating progress toward lead service line identification and replacement, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to deliver clean drinking water to families and children, and EPA’s “Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators” initiative.
This initiative, which is in partnership with the Department of Labor and New Jersey, will work to provide targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and to protect health of New Jersey children and families.
As part of EPA’s Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators program, Blackwood, Camden, Clementon, East Newark, Harrison, Keansburg, Keyport, New Brunswick, Trenton, and Ventnor are working hand-in-hand with EPA and the State of New Jersey to get the lead out. The communities are receiving water technical assistance (WaterTA) to identify lead pipes in their water systems, access infrastructure funds, and develop plans to replace lead pipes that pose risks to human health.
Through the Accelerators, EPA provides hands-on support to guide communities through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This includes support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicates $15 billion to lead service line removal and replacement. In order to ensure every community can access their fair share of this unprecedented investment, EPA continues to expand its WaterTA programs and support communities in applying for federal funding.
“As home to some of the oldest water infrastructure in the nation, I have fought tirelessly to secure the federal funding necessary to continue replacing New Jersey’s lead service lines and modernizing drinking water pipes in communities across the state,” said Senator Bob Menendez (NJ).
In January, Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to 100% lead service line removal. The initiative, in partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, is addressing existing barriers and accelerating progress towards lead service line identification and replacement.
EPA’s 7th Drinking Water Needs and Assessment Survey projects a national total of 9.2 million lead services lines across the country. The Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan outlines President Biden’s vision of lead-free water systems, and dedicated funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will greatly advance the goal of replacing 100% of lead service lines.
“Collaboration across all sectors is essential to eradicate lead. Our leaders and officials must foster relationships with grassroots organizations and research institutions to get the lead out,” said Shereyl Snider, Community Organizer with the East Trenton Collaborative. “As the Lead-Free New Jersey Hub, the East Trenton Collaborative is partnering with Rutgers (EOHSI), Ph.D. Student Sean Stratton and Dr. Brian Buckly to educate and advocate for lead remediation; without these partnerships, our children continue to be exposed to lead.”
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